Free NPTE-PT MCQ Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Due to subacromial pain syndrome, Jessica is assisting a patient who is close to being discharged after completing a physical therapy treatment plan. This patient will have to perform open and closed kinetic chain upper extremity workouts as part of their application to the police academy. Which of the following is a closed-chain workout for the upper extremities?
- Bench press
- Pull-ups (Correct answer)
- Biceps curls
- Standing lateral shoulder raises
Correct answer: Pull-ups
A closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercise is characterized by the distal segment of the limb being fixed or stabilized against an immovable object, causing the proximal segments to move. In a pull-up, the hands are fixed on the bar, and the body moves towards the hands, making it a classic closed-chain exercise for the upper extremities. In contrast, bench presses, biceps curls, and lateral raises are open kinetic chain exercises where the distal segment (hand/forearm) moves freely in space.
Question 2: Peter visited a physical therapy office for an evaluation since he was still experiencing post-concussion syndrome symptoms, such as visual and vestibular difficulties. The physical therapist wants to evaluate Peter's eye tracking skills as part of the visual portion of the evaluation. Which of the below eye movement test types effectively measures this metric?
- Smooth pursuit (Correct answer)
- Near-point convergence
- Saccades
- Vestibulo-ocular reflex
Correct answer: Smooth pursuit
Smooth pursuit eye movements are specifically designed to track a slowly moving target, allowing the eyes to maintain continuous gaze on the object. This test directly assesses the ability of the oculomotor system to follow a moving stimulus, which is a key component of overall eye tracking skills. Saccades involve rapid shifts between fixed points, near-point convergence assesses eye teaming for close objects, and the vestibulo-ocular reflex stabilizes gaze during head movements.
Question 3: After receiving a cystic fibrosis diagnosis, Sarah is receiving physical therapy to help her eliminate pulmonary secretions. Her therapist has instructed her in the active cycle of breathing techniques, which also include forceful expiration, thoracic expansion exercises, and breathing regulation. What method of teaching a thoracic expansion technique is the MOST effective?
- Inhale deeply, hold the breath for 2-3 seconds, then gently exhale as if sighing (Correct answer)
- Inhale deeply, followed by a forced series of two coughs
- Inhale followed by an exhale of moderate force with an open glottis
- Inhale slowly, exhale slowly, with a focus on relaxation of the body and a slowing of the breathing rate.
Correct answer: Inhale deeply, hold the breath for 2-3 seconds, then gently exhale as if sighing
The thoracic expansion technique, as part of the Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT), involves a deep inhalation followed by a 2-3 second breath hold and then a gentle, relaxed exhale. This method maximizes lung volume, promotes collateral air filling behind secretions, and helps to mobilize mucus without causing airway collapse. The gentle exhale prevents bronchospasm and allows for effective secretion clearance.
Question 4: The psychological and social ramifications of someone's thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors regarding their health are referred to as psychosocial flags in clinical care. They are used to help people comprehend obstacles to recovery, such as sadness or a lack of support at home. When discussing or documenting these psychological flags with coworkers, what color is associated with them?
- Red
- Yellow (Correct answer)
- Black
- Blue
Correct answer: Yellow
In clinical practice, psychosocial factors that can influence a patient's recovery and rehabilitation are often referred to as 'yellow flags.' These include beliefs about pain, emotional responses like fear or anxiety, and social or economic issues. Identifying yellow flags is crucial for therapists to address potential barriers to a patient's progress and ensure a holistic approach to care.
Question 5: Amanda has chosen to use mechanical traction as a treatment option for a patient who suffers from neck pain and upper extremity paresthesia. Which of the following situations makes the use of mechanical cervical traction contraindicated?
- Cervical spondylosis
- Cervical foraminal stenosis
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Osteoporosis (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone density, making the bones fragile and susceptible to fractures. Applying mechanical cervical traction, which involves a tensile force on the cervical spine, to an osteoporotic patient significantly increases the risk of vertebral fracture or other serious injury. Therefore, osteoporosis is a strong contraindication for the use of mechanical cervical traction.
Question 6: In the previous month, Peter experienced a couple of briefs and unprovoked episodes of vertigo that lasted under 24 hours. He recently visited his primary care physician due to the development of tinnitus and a feeling of ear fullness. He noticed a change in the quality of his hearing in one ear, which was beginning to alarm him. Which of the following diagnoses for vestibular disorders best fits Peter's symptoms?
- Vestibular neuritis
- Meniere's disease (Correct answer)
- BPPV
- Cervicogenic dizziness
Correct answer: Meniere's disease
Peter's symptoms—sporadic, brief episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, a feeling of ear fullness, and fluctuating hearing changes in one ear—are the classic diagnostic triad for Meniere's disease. This inner ear disorder is characterized by an abnormal fluid balance within the labyrinth, leading to these specific and often debilitating symptoms. Other vestibular disorders typically present with different combinations or durations of symptoms.
Question 7: Kevin goes to physical therapy with upper abdominal discomfort as a secondary complaint and midthoracic pain as his primary complaint. The evaluating therapist discovers after more probing that Kevin has occasionally had breathing problems, acid reflux, and difficulties swallowing. In order to rule out a hernia as a potential alternate source of Kevin's problems, her therapist suggests Kevin to her primary care physician for evaluation. Which of the subsequent hernias could be the cause of Kevin's supplementary symptoms?
- Femoral hernia
- Inguinal hernia
- Hiatal hernia (Correct answer)
- Umbilical hernia
Correct answer: Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition commonly causes symptoms such as upper abdominal discomfort, midthoracic pain, acid reflux (heartburn), and difficulty swallowing, all of which align with Kevin's complaints. Other types of hernias listed typically present with symptoms in different anatomical regions.
Free NPTE-PT MCQ Question and Answers
Due to subacromial pain syndrome, Jessica is assisting a patient who is close to being discharged after completing a physical therapy treatment plan.
This patient will have to perform open and closed kinetic chain upper extremity workouts as part of their application to the police academy.
Which of the following is a closed-chain workout for the upper extremities?